Gordon dismisses Mexico boss' explicit heckle as 'bit of fun'

England winger Anthony Gordon has downplayed an explicit heckle from Mexico manager Javier Aguirre during their World Cup last-16 clash, describing it as "just a bit of fun" and even a "compliment". The moment, which went viral on social media, occurred during a first-half hydration break at the Azteca Stadium.

Incident during hydration break

Aguirre, 67, first spoke to England midfielder Jude Bellingham before calling out to Gordon, who was near the touchline. The Mexico boss then shouted an explicit remark at the forward, prompting both to laugh. Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona this summer, recalled the exchange: "I remembered it. It's just a bit of fun. With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun."

The winger interpreted the remark as a backhanded compliment. "I'd just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That's how I took it anyway," he said.

Match highlights and other viral moments

The incident was one of several lighthearted moments from England's dramatic 3-2 victory. Others included Harry Kane's post-match interview after losing his voice and defender John Stones pretending to be injured. On the pitch, Bellingham scored twice to put England 2-0 up before Julian Quinones pulled one back for the co-hosts. Jarell Quansah was sent off for England, who restored their two-goal lead through a Kane penalty. Raul Jimenez converted a Mexico spot-kick to make it 3-2, but England held on during a tense finale.

Aguirre's departure and Gordon's reaction

Aguirre, who has managed Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, and Espanyol over a 31-year career, has since left his post and been replaced by Rafael Marquez. Gordon praised the veteran coach: "He seemed like a good guy, he was talking to me and Jude throughout the game. There was a lot of tension in the game so to speak to me and Jude, I quite liked it."

England now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 11 July at 22:00 BST.